ATTRACTIONS AT MANUEL ANTONIO

BEACH DUDE Photo by McQuiin

WHAT I WANT ~~

Plus this ~~

What I Get !!

Where We Didn't Stay

Children , Dogs and Monkey Crossing ~
Photos by McQuiin

Where We Stayed

Our Cabina

Manuel Antonio with My Sister Eileen

Photos by McQuiin















If I wrap up in it, will I turn into a butterfly?

Lunch at the Hotel

Beach & Touristy Stuff

Photo by LMc

Colorful sarongs for sale on the beach

Photo by McQuiin

Photo by LMc

Fungus, Ferns and Fronds Photos by LMc

An unusually deserted strip of white sand beach -- did not do much beach trekking, but viewed it from the Path through the Jungle. Photo by McQuiin

Bodega Becomes Cabina!!!

Yes! I am delighted with the results. It has been frustrating, however, since almost every part of the construction process had to be done twice. Communication has been a problem - the building has cost me almost twice what it should have because my instructions were not understood or just plain ignored and I had to have so much work done over.

BUT~~ I have a studio, complete with bathroom with hot shower, hot water to the sinks, fully grounded electric and 220 for my dryer(/welder?? )

There are still issues to be addressed - like, the water runs AWAY from the drain in the shower, even though I specifically asked that this be avoided (I have seen it in several other gringo houses) - the shower head (Ducha) was raised after I asked for it to be left alone, ruining the entire back wall of the shower and now requires the installation of a shower enclosure or tile which I did not want, at least not yet.

Now the space is fully functional I can begin the construction of the tool and kitchen cabinets, get the construction mess cleaned up and do he finish trimming and painting.

Tile needs to be sealed, as a cheap paver block was used and does not clean up easily. I should have spotted this and insisted on glazed finish instead of cheap.

The main purpose of this job was to find out the pitfalls of construction before tackling the house.

I learned many things - No 1 of which is do not assume your instructions will be followed even if they are understood - if the builder decides his idea is better, he will ignore your wishes, so you better be there on site every step to avoid having to have it redone the way you want.

New Roof & Ceiling

Had a bit of a setback - crew thought I wanted a ceiling and proceeded to construct a rafter system in the nice raised roof area. Had to have them remove the entire structure and redo the roof with varnished hardwood beams. Much nicer!

WEEK THREE - Wow - ready for the roof

Concrete is poured for the floor. Colored and polished finish coat will be applied after all the roofing and interior painting is done. The roof structure is in place and today it will be completed. I have to choose my final colors - leaning toward cream with dark brown trim. Installing the septic is next so the bathroom can be installed. Electric service is connected as well as water. Sound insulation is to be installed under the roof and the wood beams will be stained and finished with a "rustic" look.

Beginning Construction - Bodega, Workshop, Cabina

well, we have almost finished the Bodega (workshop/cabina) on my land. I have designed a very simple house that I will begin construction on in a few weeks - soon as the plan is approved and permits obtained. Ivan is doing the construction along with a small crew of two workers, a Master builder and a laboror. The price for the finished bodega is $4500 including hooking up the electric, plumbing and initial stuccoing of exterior and interior walls. Later I will be installing a toilet, sink and shower so it can be used for guest space. It is a fabulous workshop.

The walls are up and stuccoed already, electricity goes in Monday, water is already there and telephone soon. Next week the floor will be poured and the roof installed. I can hardly wait! - I may camp out in it - can't wait to watch the sunrise from there. I will have a toilet, sink and shower, and an area to accomodate a guest or two. The second bedroom in the house will be my office/guestroom. The main bedroom and the Sala/kitchen area have fabulous views with large corner windows.

I am told by the architect that to completely finish the house as planned it will cost me $25,000 including the plans, permits, hookups, and finishing - ready to move in. I will be able to pay for the materials and labor for excavation and basic structures with what I have on hand, then month to month for the rest (finishing) from my income.

I Still have not decided whether I will live here or no - it gets kinda lonely but it is a friendly neighborhood, but totally Tico and Spanish speaking.

I can't believe it has only been two weeks with two laborors working with pick and shovel. Even mixing all the concrete in a wheelbarrow.

Movin to Cost Rica !!

It's done!! house is sold, cars disposed of, furniture moved, cat packed, I'm finally here for good!

Rented a temporary house in the Barrio Latino area of Grecia while searching for "The House" -- the one with gardens, wonderful view, plenty of room for visiting guests, painting and other space-consuming activities.


Leaving Colorado was a mind and body
boggling experience. Packing up, selling,
tranfering, deciding what to bring, what
to ship, what I can live without!

Monteverde

Arenal waterfall - after 4 Km hike to the entrance to the park. Another 600 meters straight down and back up -- we didn't make it in time to go all the way down.
Riding the Jungle Rail through the Rain Forest



Hills from window of the bus from Monteverde to San Jose

Linda's Crummy Camera Pics

Crossing Lake Arenal on the Ferry
From La Fortuna to a 4 hour jeep ride to Monteverde



Ferry boat leaving the Arenal Volcano area